Leeds United will reportedly look to sign 25-year-old Moroccan international Souffian El Karouani from FC Utrecht in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, FC Utrecht wide player Souffian El Karouani is the subject of interest from Leeds United. The 2024/25 EFL Championship winners are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a left-back in the summer transfer window.
Apart from Leeds United, the Friedkin Group will also attempt to sign the Dutch-born full-back, and they are focusing on him as a summer deal for AS Roma. Additionally, El Karouani is a target for Marseille, adding to the challenge for the West Yorkshire outfit.
Who is Souffian El Karouani?
Souffian El Karouani has established himself as one of the most underrated players in his country of birth since joining FC Utrecht from NEC Nijmegen in July 2023. Born in Den Bosch, the 25-year-old spent his formative years in the Netherlands, passing through the academies at VV TGG, FC Den Bosch, BVV Den Bosch, and Elinkwijk before graduating from the youth division at NEC Nijmegen.
The Moroccan international has garnered the reputation of “Assist King” due to his productivity from the left flank, and he has scored three goals while providing 16 assists in 42 outings in all competitions thus far in the 2025/26 season. Meanwhile, El Karouani’s progress has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, including Leeds United.
From Eredivisie to the Premier League soon?
Leeds United’s interest in Souffian El Karouani is understandable. The Whites are scouring the market for a left-back heading into the summer transfer window, as Daniel Farke wants an alternative to Gabriel Gudmundsson on the left flank in the 2026/27 season.
While the Swedish international has been solid since arriving from LOSC Lille last summer, he has not been productive enough, with his only goal contributions coming in the FA Cup. So, El Karouani has emerged as a viable target, as his creative output and defensive solidity will make him an upgrade on Gudmundsson.
However, as iterated earlier, Leeds United will face stiff competition for El Karouani’s signature. With AS Roma and Marseille also keen on signing the 25-year-old Moroccan international, the Whites need to make an appealing contract offer to turn his head.